In managing data for your Power Apps application, you can rely on Data Models. A data model is essentially a diagram of tables, considering their connections and attributes. Configuring tables and table columns based on a data model is an important skill when preparing for the PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform App Maker exam.
Data modeling is the process of creating a data model for the data to be stored in a database. In Microsoft Dataverse, tables are used to model and manage business data. Columns are used to store data in a table in a structured way. Exam PL-100 topics include how to create tables and add columns to a table based on a data model.
Creating Tables
Creating a table is the first step to structuring the data model. According to Microsoft documentation, tables hold the items, such as ‘Accounts’ or ‘Contacts’, which the app works with.
Here’s how to create a table in Power Apps:
- Go to the Power Apps portal, select ‘Data’ and then ‘Tables’.
- Click on ‘+ New table’.
- Fill the ‘Display name’ and ‘Name’ fields. ‘Display name’ is the name that end users see while ‘Name’ is used by app makers and administrators.
- Pick an ownership type. ‘User or team owned’ allows for record-level security, while ‘Organization owned’ tables can’t have their data restricted to certain users or teams.
- Click ‘Next’ and then ‘Create’.
Adding Columns to Tables
Columns are fields in a table that store the attributes of the records in the table. This could be a person’s name, a product’s price, etc.
Following are the steps to add a column to a table:
- Choose the table you want to add a column to.
- Navigate to the ‘Columns’ section and click ‘Add column’.
- In the ‘Display name’ field, enter the name as it’ll show in the app. This will auto-fill the ‘Name’ box which is used by developers and system administrators.
- Choose a ‘Data type’ that corresponds with the kind of data you’ll be collecting (text, number, date and time, etc).
- Click ‘Done’, then ‘Save table’.
Given below is a comparison of a few data types:
| Data Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Text | A short text input field. |
| Multiline Text | A large text input field for larger amounts of text. |
| Number | A numerical data input field. It accepts only numbers. |
| Date and Time | An input field for selecting a point in time or a duration. |
| Currency | An input field for the entry of monetary values. |
Relationships between Tables
With tables and columns configured, you can now define relationships between tables. Relationships associate records from one table to records in another table. They establish how data in one table connects to data in another.
For example, an ‘Orders’ table may connect to a ‘Customers’ table through a relationship based on a customer ID, as this links each order with the customer who made it.
To create a relation between two tables:
- Select the table you want to add a relationship to.
- Navigate to the ‘Relationships’ section and click ‘Add relationship’.
- Select the relationship type (‘One to many’, ‘Many to one’, or ‘Many to many’).
- Fill in the required fields, specifying the table you want to create a relationship with.
- Click ‘Done’, then ‘Save table’.
In conclusion, creating tables, columns, and defining relationships based on a data model are essential skills for the PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform App Maker exam. Practice these skills within the Power Apps platform to better reinforce your understanding.
Practice Test
A data model in Microsoft Power Platform App Maker defines the structure of the data that is collected and stored.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: In app development, a data model is indeed used to define the structure of the data, including how it’s collected and stored.
A table in the App Maker application serves as a container that includes the physical structures to store data.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: The term table refers to the structures within a database that contain the data literally in rows and columns.
A column in a table is used to define the qualities or characteristics of the data model.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: A column in a table, also known as a data field, represents a specific quality or characteristic of the data model.
The App Maker application does not allow you to create complex data models with relationships between tables.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: The App Maker actually does allow users to create complex data models, including relationships between tables.
When creating a table column, you have to define the data type.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: Defining the data type is necessary when creating a table column, as it specifies the kind of data that the column will hold.
Which of the following data types is not supported by the Power Platform App Maker?
- A) Text
- B) Number
- C) Sound
- D) Date and Time
Answer: C) Sound
Explanation: Sound is not a supported data type in Power Platform App Maker.
Multiple table columns can share the same name in Power Platform.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: Table column names must be unique within each table in Power Platform.
How many primary columns can a table have in Power Platform?
- A) 1
- B) 2
- C) 3
- D) 4
Answer: A) 1
Explanation: Each table in Power Platform can only have one primary column.
It is not possible to change the data type of a table column once it has been set in Power Platform.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: Although it can be challenging, it’s possible to change the data type of a column after it has been set, although certain conditions must be met.
In App maker, you can upload a data file to create a data model.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: Power Platform App Maker allows you to quickly create a data model by uploading a data file, which it uses to automatically create the corresponding table and columns.
Tables in Power Platform App Maker can only be created manually.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: In addition to being created manually, tables can also be created by uploading files or connecting to external data sources.
The process of creating a new table in Power Platform requires a data model.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: A data model is necessary to define the structure of the table before it is created.
Data columns in Power Platform can hold multiple types of data simultaneously.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: Each data table column in Power Platform is designed to hold a specific type of data, such as text or number.
A Lookup column in Power Platform is used to create relationships between tables.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: A) True
Explanation: A Lookup column is indeed used to create relationships between tables in Power Platform by referencing another table.
Which of the following is not a step in creating a table based on a data model in Power Platform?
- A) Identifying the table columns
- B) Setting the table data type
- C) Establishing relationships between the tables
- D) Checking the syntax for errors
Answer: B) Setting the table data type
Explanation: While the data type for table columns needs to be set, the table itself does not have a data type in Power Platform.
Interview Questions
What is the purpose of creating a table and table columns based on a data model in Microsoft Power Platform?
Creating tables and table columns based on a data model allows you to organize and manage your data effectively. The tables represent the entities (objects) in your application, while the table columns represent the attributes (properties) of these entities.
How can you create a table in Microsoft Power Platform App Maker?
To create a table, go to Power Apps, select ‘Data’, then ‘Tables’. Click ‘New table’, provide the required details like table name, primary name column, and display name, then select ‘Create’.
What is the primary name column of a table in Power Platform?
The primary name column is a special column that holds unique identifiers for the records in the table. It is created automatically when a new table is created.
How can you add a new column to a table?
From ‘Tables’ select the relevant table. Click on ‘Add column’, provide the column name and specify the data type. Click on ‘Done’ and then ‘Save Table’ to add the new column to the table.
How do you specify the data type of a new column in Power platform?
In the ‘New column’ window, there is a dropdown for ‘Data type’ where you can select options like text, number, date and time, etc.
What is the functionality of the ‘lookup’ data type in a column?
The ‘lookup’ data type is used to create a relationship between two tables. It represents a reference to another table.
Can you change the data type of a column after it has been created?
No, once a column has been created, its data type cannot be changed.
What is the role of the ‘Display Name’ when creating a new column?
‘Display Name’ is the name that will be shown to users in forms and views. It doesn’t have to be unique and can include spaces.
Can you delete a column after it has been created?
Yes, you can delete a column unless it is being used as a primary name column or as a reference in a lookup column.
What is the significance of the ‘Required’ option while creating a new column?
The ‘Required’ option determines whether it is mandatory to provide a value for this column when creating or editing a record. If ‘Required’ is selected, then the column cannot be left blank.
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